The unique "TAG Heuer Carrera" brand symbolizes the history of celestial motifs.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer is a model that reinterprets the moon phase display in a unique way while retaining the traditional Carrera three-hand layout. With this timepiece, TAG Heuer sheds light on another lineage dormant within the brand: the history of models related to space.

A new expression of the moon phase

What sets the TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer apart from other TAG Heuer Carrera models is not simply the inclusion of a moon phase display. The true value of this model lies in how this display is reinterpreted and expressed. This timepiece demonstrates TAG Heuer's return to astronomical motifs while simultaneously reconstructing the moon phase display in a unique way. This innovative approach, along with its emphasis on the theme of astronomy, presents a new direction for the brand.

　While TAG Heuer is known for its connection to motorsport, it has never been unrelated to astronomy. One example is the "Solnar" from the 1940s and 50s, which featured a tide gauge. Since tides, the height of the sea, change due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, this watch also has a connection to space. And the new TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer appears to draw inspiration from the design of this model. This is evident in the Arabic numeral indices, which are unusual for a TAG Heuer Carrera, and the special sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position.

　The story behind the creation of the Solnar is reminiscent of a passage from an adventure novel. In the late 40s, Heuer was manufacturing watches for Abercrombie & Fitch, an American retailer that dealt in outdoor goods at the time. In his autobiography, Jack Heuer recalls that Walter Haynes, the managing director at the time, asked Jack Heuer's father to "develop a watch that could display the tides." However, Jack Heuer's father had no idea how to achieve this. The solution came from his physics teacher, whose advice culminated in the Solnar, a precise yet highly unusual timepiece.

　The success of the Solnar led to the creation of the "Maleograph," a chronograph equipped with a tide gauge. It was sold by Abercrombie & Fitch as the "Seafarer," and later by another outdoor retailer, Orbis, as the "Solnagraph." These models continued to be sold until the 1970s, but the Solnar disappeared from Heuer's lineup after only a few years. However, in the 1970s, a completely different "second-generation" Solnar appeared, bringing it back into the spotlight.

　The TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer, while retaining the Carrera's DNA, gains a distinct look thanks to its large moon phase display at the 6 o'clock position. The three variations each possess their own unique character, but all share a common 39mm case diameter. The case features a skillful combination of brushed and polished finishes, creating a sense of depth and structure.

Variations with different characteristics

　The Ref. WBX2110.BA0044, with its silver-colored dial, black minute markers, and correspondingly placed black moon phase indicator, is a model that gives a classic impression with its subdued color scheme. The sunray-finished dial that reflects light is accented with polished applied indices. This model is paired with a 7-link bead-of-rice bracelet, introduced in 2025. It is a comfortable bracelet that gives a classic impression.

　The Ref. WBX2111.BD0002, which also features applied indices, is a warmer-toned model. While the dial is the same silver color, the indices and hands are plated in rose gold. The accentuating rose gold ring evokes the image of the rising sun over the horizon, creating a memorable look. This model also comes with a metal bracelet.

　The Ref. WBX2112.FC6615, with its predominantly gray color scheme, stands out somewhat among the three models. One difference is that the indices are not applied, but instead feature mint green Super-LumiNova. Another difference is that it comes with a gray calf leather strap instead of a metal bracelet. The dial has a silver-colored sunray finish, and the moon phase display area has a matte finish coated in the same gray as the minute marker ring. The moon and moon phase hands are also colored mint green, matching the indices. The overall balance is excellent, and to my eyes, this model appeared to be the most balanced and refined of the three.

Design of the case back

　The screw-down case back features an illustration of an observatory, symbolizing the connection to astronomy, just like the moon phase display on the dial. In addition, a victory wreath, a symbol of success, is engraved on it, which can be seen as a design element that shows the TAG Heuer Carrera's long-standing connection to motorsport.

Movement and operability

　This watch is equipped with Cal.7 movement and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The large moon phase display located at the 6 o'clock position uses a disc that advances in stages, moving one division at 1 a.m. each day. One of the two hands, reminiscent of a compass needle, indicates which day of the lunar cycle the moon is in and what shape the moon appears to be. The other hand indicates the phase of the moon, such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

　The watch is operated using the crown in three positions. In the first position, the watch can be manually wound by turning the crown clockwise. In the second position, with the crown pulled out, the moon phase display can be adjusted by turning it counterclockwise. The third position is used for adjusting the time.

TAG Heuer reinterprets the essence of Carrera in a new direction.

　The TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer combines the Carrera's inherited balanced and highly legible three-hand layout with a novel moon phase display, a detail that sets it apart from previous models. The significance of this model lies in its modern interpretation of TAG Heuer's history of connection with space through this display.